ATBU Chief Imam resigns, BAUCHI, Nigeria – Professor Mansur Isa Yelwa has resigned as the Chief Imam of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. According to him, his decision followed the university’s approval of land for the Tijjaniyyah Islamic sect to build a mosque on campus.
Professor Yelwa, an Islamic scholar and academic, said the approval influenced his decision to step down. He also expressed concern that the development could affect unity among Muslim worshippers at the university.
According to him, the university allocated land for members of the Tijjaniyyah sect to build a separate mosque.
“My resignation is connected to the approval granted for the construction of a Tijjaniyyah mosque on the university campus,” Professor Yelwa said.
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Furthermore, he said Nigerians have the constitutional right to practise their religion freely. However, he argued that separate mosques for different Islamic sects could create unnecessary divisions within the university community.
Meanwhile, the development has sparked widespread debate on social media. As a result, many Nigerians have shared mixed reactions.
On one hand, some users supported Professor Yelwa. They argued that universities should promote unity by maintaining central worship centres for all Muslim worshippers.
On the other hand, others defended the university’s decision. They maintained that every Islamic group should be free to establish a place of worship, provided it complies with university regulations.
In addition, many commentators urged the university management and religious leaders to resolve the issue through dialogue. They said peaceful engagement remains the best way to preserve harmony on campus.
As of the time of filing this report, ATBU had not issued an official statement. Likewise, the university had not responded to Professor Yelwa’s resignation or explained the land allocation.
Similarly, the institution has not confirmed whether the approval followed a formal request from the Tijjaniyyah community or formed part of a broader policy on religious facilities.
Notably, the Tijjaniyyah is one of West Africa’s largest Sufi Islamic movements. It has millions of followers across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Consequently, observers say the controversy highlights the need for dialogue and mutual respect among religious groups. They also urged university authorities to ensure that future decisions promote peaceful coexistence on campus.
While supporters described Professor Yelwa’s resignation as an act of personal conviction, others believed dialogue would have been a better option. According to them, his influence within the university’s Muslim community could have helped resolve the matter.
Overall, the issue continues to attract public attention. For now, many Nigerians are awaiting an official response from the university. In the meantime, stakeholders have called for calm and urged all parties to embrace peaceful dialogue.
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